WATCH: ‘My son’s spirit will not be in peace until his killer is found’ – distraught mum

February 3, 2024, is a day that will be etched with painful memories for a Phoenix mother, who responded to a call late that evening, informing her that her children had been shot at point-blank range in Springfield Park.

Wesley Steenkamp, 30, a logistics company driver, had been fatally wounded, while his brother, Shaun Sukhlal, 33, had suffered serious injuries.

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Eva Munsamy got into a vehicle and rushed to the scene in a panic and realised the worst had occurred when she saw both her children lying in a pool of blood, one crying out in pain while the other lay motionless. Munsamy recalls that painful night.

She said, “I was told both my boys were shot and lying on the floor. As a mum, I was in shock and started screaming. We had load shedding at that time of the night and the call had disconnected before my younger nephew could tell me to contact the police and ambulance because both my children had been struck.” Munsamy, together with a relative, drove to the scene.

She continued, “We thought they were still in Phoenix. So many scenarios were playing through my mind. I kept praying that the situation was not true. I also prayed if it was an injury to my children, then it shouldn’t be serious.”

Munsamy finally rushed to Springfield when she received word of her son’s location.

“I saw them in a pool of blood. Shaun was lying on one side while my deceased son was lying on the other. There was a bystander, who helped to carry Wesley’s body into the car, while my younger son wanted to drive to an emergency room to get assistance for his brothers. Wesley didn’t pass away in the car, he died after he was shot mercilessly. I called out for him to wake up. I put my hand on his head and his body had already gone cold. I still didn’t want to believe it,” a traumatised Munsamy continued.

A trainee doctor, who was at the scene, attempted to facilitate in the matter after the drama had unfolded.

Munsamy elaborated, “The doctor asked me permission to check up on my children and I gave him the go-ahead. He went to Shaun first and said ‘Despite his injuries, he is alive’, but he extended his hand around me and passed his condolences.”

Munsamy now demands justice for her child as he had been murdered in the presence of others.

She said, “They didn’t ask for this to happen to them. My child is lost to the world and he had so much to live for. He had dreams and aspirations of getting married and starting a family one day but all of that was taken away instantly.” To date, the suspect who allegedly lives in the same area as Munsamy, is on the run and evading police. Sukhlal added, “I have lost faith in the justice system after my brother lost his life. I am in pain, while the killer is on the loose somewhere. I know who he is because he shot me after I asked him to leave us alone. He didn’t listen and now my family will face the pain of losing a family member.”

KZN police spokesperson, Lt Col Nqobile Gwala, said, “Sydenham police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder.”

The suspect is still at large with many contacting Munsamy to relate where he may be hiding.

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Munsamy said, “I want the police to do their job and find him so he can face his day in court and the full might of the law. My son’s spirit is troubled. I can sense that he isn’t at peace just yet because of the situation we find ourselves in.”

Sydenham police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Sgt U Ebrahim on 076-841-2924.